Esteban Ocon chose to be cautious in his comments on Alpine's apparent decline in Formula 1, noting that he did not want to “make headlines” with his true thoughts on the matter.
Esteban Ocon He chose to be cautious in his comments on Alpine's apparent decline in Formula 1, noting that he did not want his true thoughts on the matter to make “headlines”.
French driver to join US team Haas 2025 and beyond, admits to disappointment in his career RenaultV's works team ends, as does the marque's F1 engine program.
“It's sad,” Okon admitted.
His only F1 win came with Alpine in 2021, but since then, both his relationship with the team and its overall performance have steadily declined. He told Auto Motor and Sport, “There are many reasons for the decline.
When asked to elaborate, he said, “I have some explanations, but I want to keep them to myself. I don't want to make headlines here,” Okan chose to remain discreet.
When he collides with a teammate Pierre Casely Okan insists his exit was not solely due to the incident, with Monaco furious at Alpine's management. “Before that I was clear. “We have already discussed with other teams. It even started in the 2023 season.
“Of course, you're always open to anything, but for me, it was relatively clear that I was looking for a new challenge.”
Ocon reportedly considered Audi for 2025, but no agreement was reached. “I don't want to elaborate on that,” he said. “We talked to several teams. In the end, what convinced me the most was the fact that Ayao (Komatsu) (Haas) was leading the team.
“He's an experienced race engineer who knows what he's talking about. Haas currently employs 300 people,” Okan continued, “but they are achieving more than teams of 1,500. And there are big investments in the future that will affect performance. The team has clear goals and I want to be a part of it.
“I have already visited the factory and seen the enthusiasm of everyone working there. I miss that feeling,” he admitted.
Some might think Okan regrets his long stint with Renault and Alpine, especially when he scored Max Verstappen to the F3 title in 2014. However, he remains optimistic, “You must not give up hope.
Drivers like Jenson (Button) are showing that if you work hard and progress, you suddenly have a chance. Last year I fought equally with the McLarens in many races and now they are fighting for the championship. Anything can happen. “
Despite facing a reputation as tough, Okon challenges this notion, recounting personal experience: “I think people have the wrong idea about me. After an event, I once spoke to a young journalist for five minutes, and then he told me. , 'You know, Esteban, I didn't really like you before, but after our conversation, I like you a lot.' I found it very interesting.
“People out there can get an image of you that doesn't match the truth.”
Of his clashes with teammates over the years, Okan says none of the teams he's competed with have “lost places in the championship because of it.”
However, dealing with the protests in Alpine this year was “not fun.”
“When I signed for 2020, I had high expectations. There were also big promises. But they did not materialize in five years,” he said. “It's not easy when you put so much into a driver and suddenly find yourself behind.”
Realizing that the 2024 car would not be competitive, Ocon said he “decided” to explore other options “early on”. Reflecting on the situation, he said, “It is very sad to see where we are now.
“Alpine comes from Normandy, like me. I will always be proud to wear the Renault logo. It is very sad to see where we are now. The brand deserves more.
“We are giving everything, but it is not enough. Five years with a team in Formula 1 is a long time. We had our good and bad moments. Time to try somewhere else.”
